Mission

Mission Statement, Core Values, Vision and HTC Conceptual Framework

Mission Statement

Hebrew Theological College - Beis HaMidrash LaTorah is committed to the advancement of scholarship in accordance with the principles of Orthodox Judaism, providing academic programs to produce Torah Scholars, and to produce Torah-imbued college graduates and superior advanced graduate and professional programs for all qualified students who, upon graduation, will serve the Jewish community and humanity through their professional and personal vocations.

Core Values

ללמד וללמד, לשמר ולעשות - To Learn, To Teach, To Observe, and To Do

Hebrew Theological College is a Torah centered institution dedicated to:

ØPromoting growth in Torah learning and scholarship.

ØFostering increased commitment and adherence to the principles of Orthodox Judaism.

ØIncorporating the highest ideals of general academia and professional studies.

ØEmbracing a spectrum of Orthodox perspectives within our community.

ØService to the community and to its moral, social and cultural development.

ØInstilling in our students an attachment to the State of Israel and its people as well as a sense of responsibility for their welfare.

Vision

Striving for Excellence

Building on its history as the preeminent Torah institution of higher learning in the Midwest, Hebrew Theological College will continue to provide Rabbinic and Lay leaders who are equipped through advanced Judaic and general education to meet the evolving needs of the Orthodox Jewish community as it confronts the emerging challenges of a multi-cultural world while fulfilling its eternal destiny as illuminated by Torah values.

HTC Conceptual Framework

Hebrew Theological College enhances the intellectual skills, cultural sensibilities and ethics of all of its students through the traditional methodology of religious study that has been the hallmark of the Jewish Heritage of Scholarship. Concurrently, Hebrew Theological College promotes the academic and spiritual aspirations of its students such that their lifestyles and professional careers will reflect Torah values.

To Learn: Hebrew Theological College values learning as a lifelong pursuit, and models and instills this value in its students. The faculty models scholarship and the pursuit of excellence, encouraging students to engage in learning as critical thinkers and effective communicators. Hebrew Theological College engages in continuous assessment of student learning outcomes.

To Teach: Hebrew Theological College prepares its students with the knowledge and skills to be effective agents of positive change. Furthermore, all students will act, either formally or informally, as teachers. It is axiomatic to Orthodox Jews, that instruction, be it textual or moral, spiritual or behavioral, is an integral part of their lives. The preparation received at Hebrew Theological College serves as the foundation for a life filled with teaching in one’s family, society, classroom or synagogue.

To Observe: Religious commitment is at the cornerstone of the Orthodox Jewish life. Through the lessons learned by example and in the classroom, Hebrew Theological College students enhance their appreciation for Jewish Heritage while increasing their own personal commitment to following the tenets of Jewish tradition.

To Do: Hebrew Theological College values action, not simply intention, as components of change and growth. Improving a society is accomplished with the individual actions of each one, and the actions of all individuals acting as one. The value of service is instilled in the students so that they see themselves as part of the greater good, with the potential of improving life for others.

The College operates within the framework of Halachah, Jewish law, as prescribed in the Shulchan Aruch, the Code of Jewish law. The needs and goals of each student are met in an atmosphere conducive to learning and the free exchange of ideas. The faculty and administration of the College are dedicated to providing personal and career guidance and tutelage. The growth of the individual is further encouraged by a program of cultural, communal, social and recreational activities that allow for leadership training, creative expression and the development of lifelong friendships.